Catalyst dumping spool assembly

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a catalyst dumping spool assembly for unloading used catalyst from an inside of a reactor, comprising: a reactor, and a catalyst dumping spool comprising a first end operatively connected to the reactor, the first end having a catalyst inlet through which the used catalyst is introduced into, a second end having a catalyst discharge outlet whereby the used catalyst exits the catalyst dumping spool, wherein a first device for controlling used catalyst transfer into the catalyst inlet is positioned proximate the first end, and a second device for controlling the used catalyst transfer from inside the catalyst inlet through the catalyst discharge outlet is positioned proximate the second end, and further wherein the catalyst dumping spool further comprise a gas fluidization inlet and a water fluidization inlet located between the first and second devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A catalyst dumping spool assembly for removing used catalyst from an inside of a reactor, comprising: a reactor, and a catalyst dumping spool comprising a first end operatively connected to the reactor, the first end having a catalyst inlet through which the used catalyst is introduced into, a second end having a catalyst discharge outlet whereby the used catalyst exits the catalyst dumping spool, wherein a first device for controlling used catalyst transfer into the inlet is positioned proximate the first end, and a second device for controlling the used catalyst transfer from inside the catalyst inlet through the catalyst discharge outlet is positioned proximate the second end, and further wherein the catalyst dumping spool further comprise a gas fluidization inlet coupled to a supply of gas and a liquid fluidization inlet coupled to a supply of liquid, the gas fluidization inlet and the liquid fluidization inlet located between the first and second devices; and further wherein:
 the first device is configured to selectively transition between an open position and a closed position to control the flow of the used catalyst through the catalyst inlet; and 
 the second device is configured to selectively transition between an open position and a closed position to control the flow of the used catalyst through the catalyst discharge outlet. 
 
     
     
       2. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first device is a first valve. 
     
     
       3. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first valve is a ball valve. 
     
     
       4. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second device is a second valve. 
     
     
       5. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the second valve is a knife valve. 
     
     
       6. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the gas fluidization inlet is configured for receiving nitrogen to aid in catalyst fluidization. 
     
     
       7. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a catalyst receiving vessel in fluid communication with the catalyst discharge outlet. 
     
     
       8. The catalyst dumping spool assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the catalyst receiving vessel is positioned below the reactor.